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Why Clean Your Teeth? Why Clean Your Teeth?The two most common dental problems - dental decay and gum disease are both caused by the action of bacteria on teeth or gums. Bacteria are naturally present in the mouth and are often detectable as a thin (or thick!) sticky film called plaque over the teeth especially at gum level. These bacteria cannot be removed completely - the point of cleaning teeth is to remove as many of them as possible and to maintain an environment that discourages the more dangerous types of bacteria. Most people brush their teeth at least once daily, and often more often, but it is usually done in an inefficient manner and too quickly, leaving a lot of plaque behind. Careful cleaning can take a bit longer, but for those patients without serious problems it will not involve too much extra effort. Thorough cleaning can reduce the risk of decay or gum problems starting, or slow the rate they progress at. It also produces fresher breath and a cleaner feel to the teeth and mouth. So How Should I Be Doing It?Brush Type - the commonest problem we see is a brush that is too worn and rounded or far too big. There are a huge variety on the market, but the basic things to look for are Electric toothbrushes are very popular and do brush very effectively if used properly. We sell the Braun models which are very good, as well as the more high tech Sonicare which is 3 times more expensive, but very effective as well. it uses a very high speed movement of the brush head to clean the teeth that is alittle hard to get used to initially, but really seems to work ( as almost all our staff members will affirm) Toothpaste - very little real difference exists between brands - fluoride helps and there is some suggestion that some of the components anufactures are adding may help but basically choose one you like. Recent research from Bristol suggests three toothpastes did help remove staining on teeth - Macleans Whitening, Aquafresh Whitening and Boots Advanced Whitening Baking Soda Floss type - there are many types on the market - beginners often find the tapes easier to use as there is more to hold onto. As with toothbrushes the proper technique is more important than the actual floss used. Frequency - It is better to brush thoroughly once a day than quickly 3 or 4 times.. Ideally brushing should be done thoroughly twice a day for at least two to three minutes for the average set of teeth. Flossing will take an extra minute or two. Timing- classically it was recommended that straight after meals was the best time to brush. Now the only definite advice is to brush last thing at night after any food or drink . See the advice on sensitive teeth on the back page for further advice. Brushing Technique
Flossing TechniqueIf you don't floss, you're leaving up to 35% of your tooth surfaces untouched. Flossing removes plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush cannot reach easily under the gumline and between your teeth.
People who have difficulty handling dental floss may prefer to use another kind of interdental cleaner. These aids include special brushes, picks or sticks. If you use interdental cleaners, ask your dentist about how to use them properly, to avoid injuring your gums. But My Teeth Are Really Sensitive When I Brush Them...If your gums are tender and bleed on brushing then they are in poor condition and will improve rapidly once you start looking after them properly. If they do not then arrange a visit with your dentist as professional cleaning or advice may be needed. If it is cold sensitivity from the necks of the teeth then this is a bit more of a problem to manage. The hard outer layer of enamel stops at the tooth neck, and often a softer material - dentine - is exposed by the gums receding. Modern diets are often quite acidic - fruit juices, fruit, wine, fizzy drinks, etc compared to the diets of 20 years ago. A thin layer of dentine is easily softened by these acids and is then brushed away so rapid wear can occur, and the tiny tubules in dentine that are associated with the sensitivity are also enlarged by the acid exposure. Together these factors can make teeth very sensitive. Management of the problem focuses on reducing the acid exposure and trying to arrange brushing so it occurs before the acid exposure, so the softened dentine has a chance to recover. This often means brushing before meals, using a soft brush and a gentle technique. Anti-sensitivity toothpastes need to be applied gently after normal brushing and left to soak in They work by trying to block the tubules and so stop the sensitivity. Your dentist can also apply materials to block the tubules, or if the wear is deep enough place a filling material over the neck of the tooth. Currently we have have been getting strong patient feedback and recommendations for Sensodyne Pronamel which is being marketed for erosion. It appears to be very effective on sensitivity and also doesn’t contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), which is implicated in oral ulceration in some patients. MiscellaneousChildren are generally only able to use a simple scrub-brushing technique until they are 7 - 10. Assisted parental brushing on a regular basis is advisable to ensure it has been done properly. Their brushing can also be checked with disclosing tablets. Patients with dentures need to be particularly thorough brushing both their dentures to remove all the plaque and the areas of gum and tooth covered by a denture, which is more likely to develop gum and decay problems. Brushing can become more difficult if the patient is given tablets that makes their mouth drier. This is a side effect of very many drugs. It is also possible for the gums to be directly affected by a few drugs. If you feel this is a possibility then please discuss it with your dentist. |
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